Why You Should Clean Up Water Damage Fast

April 4, 2022
Jeric C

For many homeowners, the devastation that happens with storm and flood damage is something they’ve never experienced before. If you’re dealing with property recovery and are asking yourself, “How bad can water damage be?” you’ve come to the right place. The truth is that water damage of any kind can be costly, hazardous, and daunting to begin fixing.


Quick Action is essential for property owners dealing with water or flood damage. Cleaning up the water in the affected area as soon as possible is a critical first step but can be risky. However, the longer you wait, the more damage the water will do.


At ABC Environmental Contracting Services, we understand how serious a water damage in St. Louis, MO is. In this blog, we talk about the risks of waiting to clean up water damage, the benefits of choosing professional property restoration services, and more.


If You Delay Clean-Up, What Can Happen?

Mold Growth

Mold loves damp, dark places, and if you leave water damage in your home untreated, mold will start growing. Mold is not only unsightly, but it can also cause serious health problems, damage structural elements of your home, and cost a bundle to get rid of. 


Structural Damage

Water can cause a lot of damage to the structure of your home. During a major leak or flood, water can seep into the walls and damage the framing, leading to serious problems like buckling floors and collapsing ceilings.


Health Issues

When wondering, “How bad can water damage be?” many property owners neglect to consider the health risks that water damage poses. Both grey and black water damage involve water that may be contaminated by chemicals, sewage lines, or other hazardous sources. The faster water damage cleanup begins, the quicker these health risks can be safely contained and eliminated. Prompt action also helps prevent mold growth after water damage, which can lead to further health concerns and costly repairs.


Because standing water after a flood or leak event may be toxic, we recommend reaching out to professionals before attempting any DIY cleanup projects.


Cleaning Difficulty Increases

The more time that passes after the leak, storm, or flooding event, the more challenging water damage will be to clean up and repair. The water will have had a chance to seep into all of the nooks and crannies. This makes it harder to get rid of all the moisture.


How to Clean Up Water Damage

If you’re dealing with any of the different types of water damage, it’s vital to act quickly. The sooner you start the clean-up process, the better. Here are a few tips for how to start water damage repair: 


  • Turn off water to appliances at first signs of water damage
  • Remove standing water
  • Dry the affected area thoroughly using shop vacs and humidifiers
  • Address any signs of mold growth immediately
  • Reach out to professionals for structural repairs


Why A Professional Water Restoration Company is Better than A General Contractor

Hiring a professional water restoration company is always the best option for dealing with water damage. Water restoration companies have the knowledge and experience to deal with all types of water damage, including:


  • Category One: clean water damage from broken pipes and supply lines
  • Category Two: Grey water damage from appliances like toilets, washing machines, and sump pumps
  • Category Three: Black water damage from sewage, toxic chemicals, groundwater, and other harmful sources


Black water damage is extremely dangerous and should never be handled by those who are inexperienced.


Read About - How To Do Water Cleanup After Flood


Looking for Flood or Water Damage Clean-Up? Call The Professionals

If you’re stressed about how bad water damage can be, our friendly experts are here to help. At ABC Environmental Contracting Services, we specialize in water damage clean-up and are a top-notch water damage restoration company.


We have the experience and expertise to quickly and efficiently restore your home and property. Every property and event is unique, so we will work with you to create a custom plan that meets your specific needs.


Don't wait to get started on the clean-up process. The longer you wait, the more damage the water will do. Contact ABC Environmental Contracting Services today to get started on the road to recovery.

Dan and Tina ABC Environmental Contracting

Dan and Tina Benton are the owners of ABC Environmental Contracting Services, a veteran-owned restoration company serving the St. Louis Metro East area. Together, they bring over two decades of expertise in water damage restoration, mold remediation, and asbestos removal for both residential and commercial properties. They're committed to serving their community with integrity and dedication, providing 24/7 emergency response when disaster strikes.

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